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BSP supports OOH to save more lives

Date: Wednesday 20th February, 2019

Over a thousand children with the congenital heart disease have been given a second lease in life through Operation Open Heart.

This special program has been successfully executed for over 20 years is made possible by the commitment of the community, donors, volunteers and corporate organisations that have raised their hand to sponsor the program in cash and kind.

Today, Bank South Pacific (BSP) backed by its resolve to contribute meaningfully to the community, has yet again shown its commitment and support for the Operation Open Heart in 2019, and presented K100, 000.

At the cheque presentation ceremony in Port Moresby, BSP Head of Marketing Gorethy Semi said: "The continued support of committed sponsors like BSP will see more children being given a second lease in life."

"BSP acknowledges that, the success of the OOH depends of the contributions of many, including Open Heart International Australian team of medical heart specialists, our PNG doctors and nurses, fundraising committee led by Kathy Johnston and team, who invest their time and skills transfer towards the program and BSP is pleased to support this worthy cause," added Ms Semi.

Apart from the lifesaving mission, OOH has also provided the opportunity for Papua New Guineans to be trained and upskilled in their various medical fields of expertise.

Mrs Johnston, who leads the fundraising drive of the program added, that the program is now focusing on developing local Cardiologists and their surgery teams.

"With this donation, the OOH Program will continue to develop our Cardiac Heart Team in PNG and teach local medical staff to save lives of our PNG children and adults. This program is all about building capacity and capabilities of our PNG doctors, enabling them to have developed skills and knowledge," said Mrs Johnston.

Dr Paki Molumi, Director of Medical Services and OOH board chair, confirms that through this program, 29 nurses, two perfusionists, one anaesthetist, and one cardiothoracic surgeon have been trained while attached to OOH program.

"Without the tremendous support of corporate organisations, OOH will not be a success. And especially for BSP, it is wonderful to see that our leading bank is continuing this special relationship," added Mrs Johnson.